This week, I wanted to share a few final memories from my backpacking days.

As a young person making my way through Europe, I had plenty of company in the “lots of dreams, no money” category.So when I wasn’t attending free concerts, I was staying up late, chatting with newly-made friends or playing cards.And it’s amazing how many short and intense friendships I fell into.When I chatted with other travellers, one of two things happened.Sometimes we were going in opposite directions, in which case we shared travel suggestions.And sometimes we were going in the same direction, and decided to travel together for a while.Having a buddy to chat with en route to the next destination was always fun, and having someone to help find the hostel in the next town was a godsend.(My strengths are friendliness and trip research; my weakness is navigation.)I mention literally dozens and dozens of people in my journal, most of whom I can’t put a face to anymore, but all of whom I spent a few hours or a few days with.And the experiences I had with the travellers that I do remember – an impromptu trip to Luxembourg with Ellen, the Rodin museum with Jon, talking baseball with Mark outside the Pompidou Centre – were some of the highlights of my trip.

Seeing Luxembourg with Ellen

Sometimes those new friendships got off to a rocky start, though.I had my first experience with coed washrooms in a youth hostel in Paris.Somewhat dubiously, the shower curtain didn't completely close.In fact, you couldn’t really call it a 'curtain'; it was more like two boards that didn't quite overlap.When I stepped into the bathroom, I realized quickly that the occupant of the other shower was male, so I kept my shower as brief as possible, while simultaneously hugging the walls of said shower. Later, in the common room, a guy came up to me and said, "Oh, hi, you were in the shower next to me."I literally had no idea what to say, so fortunately he filled in the rest of the sentiment: "I recognized your sneakers."

Admittedly my travel style has changed a little since the backpacking and youth hostel days.But I learned some valuable lessons. The key to success in finding my way around every city in Europe is still exactly the same:learn a few words in the native language, the most important phrase being, “Where is?”If you know that, and the name of your hotel, you will never truly be lost.

The other lesson I learned from this trip was to keep my heart open to the people I meet. My most special memories involved the people I shared my time with. And although I've never travelled by myself since then, the same is still true. The cities may be fabulous, the countryside may be breathtaking, but every new place I visit is made most precious by the people I have met.

I agree with learning a few words of the language of the country you are visiting. Instead of where is...I ask in their language if they speak a little English. When asking "where is" in their language, they presume I speak their language and give me directions in their language. That is OK sometimes if they do a lot of pointing.

Lovely post, Beth. I was going to ask if you stayed in contact with anyone, but it sounds as though you were friends in passing only. Still, such an education you had!Love the shower story....sneakers, my foot!

Love the photos! I'll echo Cucina49 above~ you make me wish I'd done more traveling in my youth :) The shower situation must have been awkward, but what a story! I wonder if your daughters will be traveling much on their own, and what advice you'll give them :)

I have no doubt that these experiences enriched your life in wonderful ways. And I must agree, travel is not about just seeing sights or trying food. It is about opening your heart to people around the world.

I'm so thankful that I traveled while in university. It's the best time to do it. :) I even spent a semester studying in Finland while in grad school, and worked one summer in a different Finnish city (Helskini) while living with my grandparents. I didn't know much Finnish and they didn't speak English. Somehow we survived.

I took a trip to Europe shortly after I got pregnant with my oldest son where I rode the trains and stayed in youth hostiles. It was really fun, but also so many shades of culture shock. Amsterdam was particularly interesting. I'm glad I had my husband with me.